Rotary International selected Wellesley Rotary as one of 214 Rotary clubs worldwide out of a total of 34,823 to receive this honor, (fewer than 1/100!). The Club received the award for its successful Peer Leadership and Emotional Wellness project spearheaded by the Club under the leadership of Rotarian Bob Anthony.

In outlining a club’s eligibility, Rotary International spelled out specific guidelines including impact of a problem in the community; club involvement; being able to be replicated by other Rotary clubs and, being an active program for the current year by one Rotary Club. Wellesley Rotary met all of its criteria.

It all began in recognizing a problem young people have in coping with stress, anxiety and depression. After the community of Wellesley suffered several teen losses to suicide, Anthony and the Rotary launched an effective Wellness project. Wellesley Rotarians learned and shared exercises on how to promote emotional wellness, including how to deal with stress before it develops into anxiety or depression.

Training included reading the book “People Skills” and viewing the “Break Free from Depression” documentary before attending a workshop by William James College.
Seven teens received additional training as Peer Leaders. They co-facilitated activities to enhance problem-solving and coping skills with over 500 middle school and high school age youth. They also launchedWellesley Rotary’s first Interact (International Action) Club for youth ages 12-18 who help solve a community problem through service.

The Interact members leveraged their individual talents to normalize the conversation on emotional health by creating resources such as public art displays, blogs and video. The result has proven an effective way to help solve a community problem.

At Pinnacle Residential Properties we are fortunate to see Wellesley Rotarians on a regular basis as Vin Spoto, co-owner of Pinnacle is an active member. Have you ever attended the annual Pancake Festival? What about the Stop Hunger Now campaign, or perhaps one of the popular Summer Concerts on the Green? All of these events are directed by the Wellesley Rotary. The Wellesley branch of Rotary is one of the oldest service organizations in town, and has continued its commitment to the improvement of the Wellesley community through a variety of events and programs.

Rotary president John Adams states that “I think people in the community don’t know how many charities Rotary supports every year, charities that support the high school, the middle school, the Choral Society, the Wellesley Players, the Wellesley Symphony, the Gridiron Club, the homeless, scholarships for students, both short and long-term exchange programs, and of course the Emotional Wellness program.”

Adams urges community members to participate in some way shape or form, whether through volunteer work or membership, and see first hand the important role that the club plays.

“The club is open to new members and younger members, he said. “Everyone who joins can find an avenue of service in which to focus their attention, and we always welcome new additions.” For more information on Wellesley Rotary, contact Vin Spoto at Pinnacle Residential Properties at 781.237.5000 or vspoto@pinnaclehouses.com.